Newbattle at War a history of the Parish at war   

Netta Daniel who originally hailed from First Street , Newtongrange was awarded an OBE in the War Workers Honours list. In 1917 whilst she was working in the huge cordite munitions factory at Gretna  in the Scottish Borders,she was awarded the medal for tackling a potentially devestating fire in the factory, a very courageous lady.

Sergeant Alexander Burnett, Royal Scots was awarded his Military Medal for an action in 1917. To quote "After trying 5 times to reach a trench during a gas attack Sgt Burnett, with a companion threw off his gas mask and made a dash for their objective, which they gained under heavy shell fire." Sgt Burnett was a miner with the Lothian Coal Company prior to the war and enlisted early in 1915.

He was also a member of Newtongrange United Football Club, his parents resided at 16 Main Street,Newtongrange.

I have yet to confirm this information but I believe that Alex was killed down the Lady Victoria pit in the 1940's.

Lance Corporal John Meek Royal Scots (8th) was awarded the Military Medal in 1918 , it was also stated that he had given his blood to save the life of a comrade during the huge

German ofensive in March, 1918. His Brother Robert was also awarded the MM in 1917 whilst serving with the Machine Gun Corps.

John's father Alexander was killed earlier in the war, he joined up and died whilst fighting with the HLI .

Corporal Robert Reid , Royal Garrison Artillery , Signalling Section.

Awarded the Bronze Cross and the Italian Croix de Guerre December 1918,  former member of Newtongrange Star FC and latterly a professional of some note with Hearts, Cowdenbeath and Burnley FC.

Colour Sgt Major J McIntosh , Highland Light Infantry awared the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1916, citation reads for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty,he has consistently set a splendid eample to his men by his coolness and courage under fire.

Captain R B Stewart RAMC, MC and Bar of Bellfield Eskbank, received the bar to his MC in 1916 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out the evacuation of the wounded from the regimental aid post over extremely bad ground and under fire. Captain Stewart was the first officer from the district to win the Military Cross. He enlisted as a private during the first week of the war as did his two brothers. He had been wounded twice by this stage of the war.

Lieutenant D S Mackie ,Royal Field Artillery of Fairhaven Eskbank, awarded the Military Cross, his citation read , for commanding C Battery throughout the 21st of March with conspicuous gallantry and skill. The Battery was in position SW of Doignes, when the enemy took Louveral. The Battery came under close range and observed enemy fire. Later , when the enemy occupied Doignes the Battery came under very heavy machine gun fire . Lieutenant Mackie by his energy and determination maintained the whole Battery in action engaging the enemy over open sights , inflicting heavy casualties. Eventually the Battery was reduce to two guns, which were shortly knocked out by direct hits. Lt Mackie then manned the intermediate line trench with the remainder of his Battery with Lewis guns and rifles until dusk inflicting more casualties. Four of the guns were removed that night.